Tough days for T’ganu media in covering floods

KEMAMAN (Bernama) – The severity of the flood disaster that hit Terengganu the last month posed a big challenge for media personnel in Terengganu because it was the first time they had to work under “such trying circumstances”.

Whether they were from the print, electronic or alternative media, all had a challenging time bringing the news on the disaster to the public.

Bernama’s Terengganu bureau photographer Arjasneh Ahmad, 43, said even for a hardened newsman like him, the destruction and suffering of the people he witnessed in areas like Kampung Bukit Mentok, Kemaman and around Hulu Dungun would forever be etched in his mind.

“In my 10 years in Terengganu, I have never seen floods of this scale,” he said.

He added that wading in chest high water, riding in boats and military helicopters was the only way pressmen could do their jobs because access to flood hit areas was not possible via land routes.

In Kuala Terengganu, the RHB Banking Group contributed school bags and stationery items to cater to the needs of 5,000 students whose families were badly hit by the floods in Terengganu.

Its Eastern Region manager Shaharuddin Ming said it was part of the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility in helping victims of the disaster.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Education Department director Zakaria Hussin said aid for students who were affected by the floods was not limited to uniforms and schooling aid but also counselling.